Mike Naughton: Gerrymandering not the answer

I respectfully disagree with My Turn writer Timothy Flynn’s recommendation that Democrats “fight fire with fire” by aggressively pursuing gerrymandering in blue states [“Dems must fight fire with fire on redistricting,” Recorder, March 26]. I share his frustration with Republican gerrymandering, but you don’t fight anti-democratic forces by becoming more anti-democratic.

Nelson Shifflett: Lead and we will follow

As I desperately search for a response to President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s systematic dismantling of our government, I’m casting about for guidance, seeking someone who has a plan, hoping that a fearless politician or public figure will step forward and tell me where and when to demonstrate, which organization will effectively spend my hard-earned donations, and provide a message of hope and determination to empower me to get off the couch and do something … anything.

My Turn: The latest ‘white backlash’

My Turn: GCC and the rare Jurassic armored mud balls

By RICHARD D. LITTLE

Walt Gorman: Enjoyed report on pot industry’s struggles

I had a big smile on my face after reading the March 24 story, ”The ills of a billion-dollar enterprise.” Apparently the Massachusetts cannabis industry is struggling. Good! I hope all the pot shops go outta business this year. We don’t need more druggies on our streets wandering around in a stupor.

Sarah Shevlin: Help fund lung cancer research

This year, more than 226,000 Americans will die from lung cancer — the number one cancer killer. We need to stop this. When people think of lung cancer, they relate it to smoking. That is not the case. Lung cancer does not discriminate. It happens to people who have never smoked in their life, who lived a healthy life, and struck them hard. For what? It is beyond unfair and unexplainable.

Jane Shaney: Disclosure of sensitive military information ‘unacceptable’

My father was a bomber pilot in World War II, having flown a B-26 Marauder. Between June of 1944 and May of 1945 he flew over 100 missions, over 60 of which were combat missions. On a mission in January of 1945 he sustained numerous hits from antiaircraft fire over a target. He nevertheless managed to maintain his aircraft and completed his mission successfully. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a result.

Denise Pavao: ‘Cutting waste’ a red herring

The Trump administration’s attack on federal agencies to “end wasteful spending” is transparent. Think about it … nearly every business with more than a handful of employees deals with some amount of wasteful spending. Federal agencies are no different. But if there’s a horse overeating in the barn, you don’t burn down the barn. It’s short-sighted and financially foolish. Gutting democratic institutions weakens democracy, making it easier to consolidate power in very few hands.

Columnist Daniel Cantor Yalowitz: Now is the time to step up

By DANIEL CANTOR YALOWITZ

In the last two months, the gloves have come off. The not-so-new administration in D.C. and governmental leadership in many states across our union have shown their true colors. So, too, our court system. They are intent on doing as much damage as possible to as many individuals, organizations and systems as they can, whether legal or not.

The World Keeps Turning: Free speech is a cornerstone of America

By ALLEN WOODS

Let’s hear it for the biographers! They can sometimes be as creative as the people they profile.

My Turn: First, they came for the idea of the common good

By DONALD JORALEMON

Letter: Striking Parallels to Nazism

National news media refuse to call the Trump administration what it is. So, let’s be clear: This is a fascist regime. Under authoritarian leadership. President Donald Trump and his allies are pulling moves from the Nazi Party’s playbook.

Linda and Bill Oldach: Grosky for selectman

We support Mitch Grosky’s candidacy for Athol selectman because of his integrity and desire to help townspeople and families. He wants citizens and town officials to work together to develop reasonable solutions to the problems of our community. He is a collaborator with heart and a willingness to listen to both sides.

My Turn: Slashing of farming, food support senseless

By RYAN VOILAND

The following speech was delivered by Ryan Voiland at a farmers’ rally opposing cuts to USDA and other federal programs that are negatively impacting farms and agriculture in the region and around the country. The rally took place on Sunday, March 23 in front of Hadley Town Hall.

My Turn: Cleared for an Ichetucknee River paddle

By RUTH CHARNEY

Rosemary Seifert-Graf: We must protect IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides necessary funding and administrative funding to museum and library programs.

Karen Hathaway: NIMBY and the dog shelter blues

This is in response to the March 22 Recorder article “Abutters speak out on proposed dog shelter.” I have been a volunteer at the Franklin County sheriff’s office dog shelter for over 12 years, almost from its inception. I was at the meeting in Deerfield on March 20 and thought I was going to have to stand up and sing the praises of the shelter.

Beth Girshman: Well-funded library services part of what makes America great

I am stunned at the potential losses for library services throughout Massachusetts with the proposed elimination/reductions in federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Guest columnist Sarena Neyman: Political sadism and defying the power of cruelty

By SARENA NEYMAN